Teenage Cancer Trust

Around seven young people aged between 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK. Teenage Cancer Trust is the only charity dedicated to providing expert care and support from the moment they hear the word cancer. We treat them as young people first, cancer patients second and everything we do aims to improve their quality of life and chances of survival. You may be surprised to learn that in the North West of England, awareness of Teenage Cancer is the lowest in the UK.

Greater awareness ultimately leads to speedier diagnosis and better prognosis. This is why Teenage Cancer Trust visits schools in order to educate students about cancer. Education amongst young people is therefore critical in the fight against teenage cancer.Unfortunately, only 60% of young people diagnosed with cancer are able to access the fabulous support provided by Teenage Cancer Trust. This is why an outreach service is now being piloted in the North West to make sure that every young person diagnosed with cancer gets the advice, information and one-to-one support that they need, no matter where they are treated.The pilot project will support young people across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire and South Cumbria. We need to help raise £250,000 to make this pilot project successful..

The remarkable courage of 19 year old Stephen Sutton who was diagnosed with bowel cancer when he was 15, has certainly touched us all. His sheer guts and determination to live his life to the full is admirable. He said, "I always describe my cancer as a huge kick up the backside that taught me about the importance of helping others, of making every second count, and of making sure life is for LIVING, amongst other things." He went on to say, "I've always felt passionately about helping others and I've always been a firm believer that people are good."

Runway on the Runway's "TCT Crew"

Involvement of our current and former oncology patients was pivotal to the ethos of Runway on the Runway. It was important to bring these young people together for the event to demonstrate to our audience that having cancer doesn't make you any different from any other teenager. Our "TCT Crew" blew the audience away with their glamorous looks and fabulous catwalk. I am delighted to say that their solidarity with each other continues to this day as they grow into young adults and as they go on supporting and inspiring other young people affected by cancer.